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Satoru Iwata won't be in attendance at next week's Electronic Entertainment Expo. As reported by Polygon, the Nintendo president is staying home on doctor's orders.

"He's been instructed by his physician not to travel overseas in the immediate future, and so he will not be making the trip to Los Angeles," a Nintendo representative told the site. "Please understand that it is business as usual for Mr. Iwata, and he continues his normal duties as president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. while he remains in Japan. As always, he will be actively involved in all of Nintendo's activities at the show."

One of Iwata's most public duties at previous E3 shows has been to appear during Nintendo's media briefing and show off its latest games and systems. However, just as it did last year, Nintendo has chosen to forego the media briefing this year in favor of a pre-taped "Nintendo Digital Event" to stream online the Tuesday morning of the show.

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3 Comments

I know Iwata is in the hotseat right now, but Im gonna miss him. I know alot of people will probably make fun of me, but I like hearing him speak. If anything it garners goodwill towards Nintendo. He always addresses the audience with much respect. The lack of his presence will be felt. Just hopes he hosts at least one Nintendo direct.

But if anything, I still have hope with Nintendo. Mario Kart and Smash Bros both look awsome. I am defenitly getting a WiiU at some point. And if they just show more info on Bayontta 2, Fire Emblem X Shin Megami Tensei, "X"(Xenoblade 2) and introduce a few more IP then they already have me sold ontheir system.

Besides Luigi is already making headlines for his "death stare" in Mario Kart 8... its fucking hilariouse. These little details in games is what makes them magical and memorable. Anyway, check it out for yourself.

Rick, I'm almost certain the E3 "Nintendo Direct" has already been filmed and his travel health issue wouldn't matter anyway as a filming of that kind is much easier on one's health than a major travel.

His lack of presence will have far less impact on gamers than it will on the business to business that goes on during E3.